Ruggless Dental
Family Dentistry
Gentle Dentistry for Your Entire Family

Our friendly team of caring professionals invites you to enjoy our welcoming environment and expert dental care.

Two girls playing at Washington Park in Springfield, IL

We Treat Your Family's Smiles for a Lifetime

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Family & Pediatric Dentist in Springfield, IL

We provide quality family dentistry in Springfield, IL and all surrounding communities.

 

No matter how old you are, it's important to have a trusted dental team that cares about your oral and general health. From routine dental cleanings and dental fillings to smile treatment plans, the dental professionals at Ruggless Dental are committed to maintaining your family's beautiful smiles.

Our dentist office offers comprehensive dental care for the entire family. Are you experiencing tooth pain or swollen gums? We can help treat any dental emergencies near Springfield, abnormal oral health issues, or prevent them. Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD and his friendly dental staff can treat any dental situation.

We provide preventative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dental procedures to benefit each member of your family. Ready to get started? All you have to do is give our dental office a call at (217) 787-0212 to find out more about our dental services. 

Chilren's Dental Care in Springfield, IL

No matter how excellent your at-home routine is, bacteria can still hide on your enamel. As plaque continues to build, acids in the plaque attack and weaken enamel, creating tiny holes that we call cavities. Only a dental professional can completely remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your teeth.

Tooth decay and gum disease often don't show any symptoms, especially at the beginning. By the time you start to notice tooth pain or sensitivity, decay may have already started. If you notice anything abnormal with your tooth, contact Ruggless Dental in Springfield, IL right away. 

During your child's dental visit with our pediatric dentist in Springfield, we go over proper brushing and flossing techniques to make sure they don't have any questions. This is a great opportunity to help your child learn and develop a healthy attitude about caring for their teeth and gums.

OUR TEAM

    Dr. Shane Ruggless DMD, dentist in Springfield, IL

    Dr. Shane Ruggless DMD

    Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana in 2008 with a degree in Integrative Biology. He went on to earn his DMD at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Dental School, where he received a leadership award.

    He is active in the American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society, and he is on the board of the GV Black Dental Society.

    Dr. Ruggless knew since his high school days that he wanted to become a dentist. ...

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Family Dentistry to Prevent Major Issues

Mother and daughter at Schlitt Park in Springfield IL

The best tool that we have to avoid costly and painful issues with your smile and oral health lies in preventive dentistry. If it has been a long time since your last dental cleaning, give us a call. We love to see our patients as frequently as every six months or as Dr. Ruggless recommends.

During your dental exam, your family dentist performs a visual inspection of your smile to check for tell-tale signs of cavities and gum disease. With the aid of digital x-rays, we can see any problems beneath the surface, including oral cancer, infection, abscesses, and more.

Our expert dental team works hard to make your child's visits pleasant and educational. We love children and look forward to watching them grow.

It's typically much easier to treat oral health issues if we catch them early, which is the basis of preventive dentistry. 

Testimonial

John M.

Dr. Ruggless and his staff are very friendly and welcoming. The hygienists are kind and gentle with my children and make them feel at ease while in the dental chair. I trust Dr. Ruggless with the dental care of my family!

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Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments for Your Child

The most common oral health issue that children face is tooth decay. The good news is we carry two dental treatments that successfully reduce your family's risk of cavities and periodontal disease. 

Dental sealants create a smooth surface over the groves on the teeth, preventing tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are shown to reduce tooth decay, especially for high-risk patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatric dental patient smiling outside near Springfield ILAbsolutely!

We welcome patients of all ages to our Springfield, IL dental office. We recommend that we start seeing your child when their first baby tooth emerges or by the age of one. Parents are always invited to bring their children with them for their own dental appointments to help ease them into the world of dentistry. 

Good Oral Health Starts Young

Early visits to our pediatric dentist in Springfield allows children to become accustomed to the sights and sounds of a dental office. They also get used to our welcoming dental staff and the dental office environment. We introduce them to the treatment room, the sounds different tools make, and even let them ride the dental chair. Together, we count their teeth and learn about oral health.

Children benefit from early childhood dental cleanings and exams as Dr. Ruggless monitors their oral and general health. We ensure that they are meeting all their milestones and developing on schedule. Our twice-yearly dental check-ups look for common dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which children are very much susceptible to.

Schedule A Visit With Our Children's Dentist in Springfield!

By taking your little one to their family dentist at a young age, you make oral health a routine part of their regimen, which can set them up for excellent teeth and gums as they get older.

Call Ruggless Dental today at (217) 787-0212 to schedule your child's dental cleaning and exam!

Preventive dentistry includes a full range of dental services to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

Woman receiving preventive dental exam at Springfield dentist officeAt Ruggless Dental, we offer general dental treatments like routine exams, teeth cleanings, x-rays,  tooth-colored fillings, and more to help identify and treat dental issues.

You're never too young or old to take care of your teeth, which is why we always recommend a strict at-home routine of brushing and flossing. Oral health care starts young, during childhood, and often lasts for the rest of your life. 

Our dental exams are family-friendly and allow us to maintain and treat any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. To keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, we recommend seeing your Springfield, IL family dentist, Dr. Shane Ruggless. 

During your dental exam, we also screen for signs of oral cancer, evaluate your gums' health, and use x-rays to identify anything unusual. 

Patients who have any questions about their oral health, including diet and nutrition, are always welcome to let us know.

Finding a Trusted Dentist in Springfield, IL

We always want our patients to access the best dentistry available so they can enjoy their smiles for a lifetime.

If it's been a while since you've seen us, contact Ruggless Dental at (217) 787-0212 to schedule your next dental exams and cleaning.

We look forward to seeing you and your family!

Yes, we are always happy to welcome new patients and families into the Ruggless Dental family. We are a team of dental professionals who enjoy our community and love what we do. With us, you can expect a friendly but professional environment, and a judgment-free visit every time!

A Popular Family Dentist in Springfield Offering Advanced Services

Of course, we are your home for checkups and dental cleanings, but we also offer advanced treatments to help our patients keep their dental care in one convenient location with the team they trust.

At Ruggles Dental, you’ll find:

Ruggles Dental: Your Home for Convenient Dental Care

We accept most insurance plans and are happy to bill you on your behalf. You can also pay online! Our team also accepts CareCredit financing, which helps individuals and families budget their dental care over time.

With families, we always work to see members on the same day to save you time.

Welcome to the Ruggless Dental Family

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Springfield, or have questions about our treatments and services, call (217) 787-0212 today.

Schedule a Visit with Our Dentist in Springfield, IL!

Ruggless Dental offers comfortable, gentle dentistry for all your family's needs. From preventive dentistry to cosmetic treatments and emergency dental care, we can provide personalized, gentle care for all your dental needs.

Contact us at (217) 787-0212 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ruggless today.

BLOGS

Dental Insurance 101 in Springfield, IL: What’s Covered and What to Expect

September 23, 2025

Dental insurance paperwork can feel like it was written in another language. Between the codes, the percentages, and the fine print, it’s easy to feel lost. Ruggless Dental is here to make sense of it all. From cleanings to crowns in Springfield, here’s what patients should know about dental insurance ...

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Dentist examining bright white teeth after enamel-safe whitening treatment

Beyond Teeth Whitening: Enamel Protection Habits to Keep Your Smile Bright

August 16, 2025

Professional teeth whitening is an excellent way to remove stubborn stains and enhance your smile. However, there are additional steps you can take to maintain your enamel's brightness and health.

In this blog, we discuss:

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couple hugging their daughter

What to Expect During Your First Dental Appointment

April 26, 2025

Expect a warm greeting at the front desk, where we collect:

  • Any relevant paperwork
  • Potential copay
  • Identification
  • Insurance information
  • Any recent films/diagnoses

You can fill out paperwork online here.

A thorough visit with the dentist soon follows, as does a professional teeth cleaning if your schedule allows.

When you join the Ruggless Dental family, we ...

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Call Us to Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning

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